Not sure where it gets its name from but no white up here.....White Top of Culreoch

Hill: White Top of Culreoch

Type: Sub2k/Marylin

Height: 344m

For a number of reasons, I have been unable to walk much recently and I was well fed up. Typically, now that I had some freedom the weather has been pants. The only decent forecast was for today, reasonable for some, but my objective lay on the border line between a dry or a heavy shower day, what chances of it being dry?

I decided to have a scenic winter drive and tick off a small Sub2k at the same time. I only have 4 remaining to do in this SW section of Scotland, so my choice was limited. White Top was the nearest and has the distinction of being the 1065th highest hill in Scotland, thus well off the Munro baggers radar and most other peoples for that matter. Still, it is not all about height as D&G hills are notoriously pathless, tussocky and tough going. Throw in the effects of deforestation and it can be a tough ramble.

I did my research, and the most used and quickest ascent is a direct assault from the parking place. However, I wanted a slightly longer walk so roughly followed another route from Walkhighlands. 

Heading to mid left of the tops

I walked along the 'main' road for about 10 minutes before reaching the unmade road leading to Grobdale of Girthon. I have searched, but not yet found a site, where the meaning of these unusual local names can be explained. Always disconcerting to start a walk by heading away from the summit you want to be on. 

Walked down the track to the old stone dyke and cattle grid before veering left and following an ATV track. 

There were a few of these options

Now all the way to the base of White Top there is everything I expected from this terrain. ATV tracks will get you almost there, eventually, but expect them to disappear many times and if lucky you find the original or another. The lower section of the track is extremely boggy, really just a deep mud track at times, no surprise given the amount of rain we have had. Additionally, I am following the trail of a herd of cows, a very big herd from the amount of dung dropped and the huge depressions in the track that they created. My dodgy eyesight is not as reliable, so every other sense is on high alert, where are they?

Time for the tussocks

After a bit of ascending I hit the tussocks. God only knows where the ATV track has gone. These are proper D&G tussocks. Deep with hidden depths to rock the ankles. 

I find another ATV track but so have the coos from the fresh droppings. At least I have turned and now heading towards the hill. Varying terrain but I reach a high spot with good views of the very rugged and isolated land surrounding me. The rain clouds are not far away, flanking to the west, but I am still dry so far. 

A descent to another dyke, flanked by a barbed wire fence, thanks. After some thought I found a bit of wire I could push down, safely over. 

The war zone

Followed by a short steep wet grass ascent and I reach the deforested zone. I have crossed worse sections and thankfully this was fairly short. But these are high risk injury areas, so progress was slow and sure.

There was no obvious indication of a top although it was clear I was on the summit. Browsing around I spotted the few small stones beside the upturned trees, the summit marker. Sadly understated but understandable for only the 1065th highest hill!! I was thinking that a few years ago it would have been in the middle of trees and harder to find as the surrounding slopes falling away would not have been as obvious.

There was a reasonable view of the wild terrain surrounding me but over towards the Solway Firth the light suggested the brightness was still with them, not me.

Heading for the small row of trees on right. ATV track takes you away.

Remote and rugged landscape

I returned the same way with a few detours from the ascent trail as I spotted so called better options. Some were and some were not. 

The trees get closer and the stag is roaring off to my right

On the descent, I could hear at least one stag roaring, must be right at the end of the rut. Judging by the sound of the roaring it was coming from the small ridge of Craig of Grobdale, over to my right. I had considered descending that way but decided against as I did not fancy solo walking across that rough ground. Although on reflection I might even have seen the stag!

Back to the car where I reflected on a short but good ramble. Plenty of ups and downs added to the ascent. The terrain was rough but been in worse. Never encountered the coos. After changing I started to drive home just as the heavy shower arrived, my luck was in.

 Ascent: 299m

Distance: 7.2km

Time: 2.16

Wildlife: Red Kite; Raven; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit; Red Deer Stag (heard)